Bank robber makes off with cash in Chula Vista

A man robbed a San Diego National Bank branch in Chula Vista yesterday afternoon, authorities said.

The robber entered the bank on H Street near Fourth Avenue about 4 p.m. He approached a teller, leaned over the counter and said, “This is a robbery,” authorities said.

The man was given an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen walking south on Fourth Avenue, authorities said.

He was described as black, in his 30s to 40s, about 6 feet tall, weighing about 200 pounds with a husky build and had dark spots on his lower right cheek, authorities said.

He wore a black head wrap, a dark jacket and dark jeans, authorities said.

Anyone with information can call the FBI at (858) 565-1255 or Chula Vista police at (619) 691-5151, or contact Crime Stoppers by sending a text or e-mail through its Web site,
sdcrimestoppers.com
, or by calling (888) 580-8477.

Jose Luis JimÉnez

Bank robbery suspect arrested at the border

SAN DIEGO: A man believed to be responsible for nearly 30 commercial robberies in San Diego County was arrested over the weekend while trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, police said.

Police believe Jones is the “Long Jaw Bandit,” who is responsible for a string of robberies dating to August. The robber got the nickname because of his jutting jaw.

Various stores were hit, including Staples, Radio Shack, CVS, Rite Aid and an adult bookstore/video store.

Police said the robber usually would take items to the store’s register as though he was going to pay and then demand cash, police said.

He would tell the clerk he had a gun, but none was ever seen.

Karen Kucher

DUI suspect arrested after Interstate 8 chase

EAST COUNTY: A man suspected of being under the influence and driving a stolen car was arrested early yesterday.

Officers tried to pull over a Honda just after 3 a.m. on westbound Interstate 8 near Los Coches Road, the California Highway Patrol said.

The driver drove off at speeds in excess of 100 mph and almost hit several vehicles, then took the Los Coches exit and crashed into a wall, the CHP said.

The man, said to be in his 20s, was arrested and taken to a hospital.

Debbi Baker

Man accused of stealing clothing under arrest

CARLSBAD: A 20-year-old man was arrested yesterday on a burglary charge after a Carlsbad resident chased a man who he said stole clothes from his garage.

Carlsbad police received a call just before 9:30 a.m. from a man who said he was pursuing a burglar who had just left the home on Woodland Way.

About 15 minutes later, police found the suspect two blocks away based on the description given by the resident, who later identified him.

Carlsbad police booked the man into the Vista Detention Facility.

Jeanette Steele

Jogger fights off attacker who demanded money

SAN DIEGO: A woman jogging in Rancho Bernardo was attacked Sunday by a man who tackled her and demanded money.

The woman was running on a hiking trail north of Poblado Road off West Bernardo Drive about 10:30 a.m. when the man approached her from the other direction, San Diego police spokesman Gary Hassen said yesterday.

He said “hello,” then grabbed her as he passed and forced her to the ground, Hassen said.

The woman, who is in her mid-20s, hit the man in the face with her elbow, possibly breaking his nose, Hassen said. Officers conducted an extensive search of the area but did not find the woman’s attacker.

He was described as white, about 25 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall and 230 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing a blue-and-white sweater and bluejeans, Hassen said.

The woman suffered minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.

Anyone with more information is asked to call police at (619) 531-2000.

Debbi Baker

ACCIDENT WATCH

Man, 79, accidentally hit and injured by his friend

SAN DIEGO: A 79-year-old man was seriously injured in downtown San Diego yesterday when a 75-year-old driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and backed into his friend, San Diego police said.

Just before noon, the driver let his passengers out of the car and was attempting to park near Sixth Avenue and F Street when his foot slipped.

The car hit one of the passengers, who was standing near the car.

The victim suffered a fractured skull and was transported to a hospital, police said.

Jeanette Steele

Teen on skateboard hurt in Vista hit-and-run

VISTA: A child riding a skateboard was struck by a sport utility vehicle last night in Vista that did not stop after the crash, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said.

The 15-year-old boy suffered major head trauma and was flown to a hospital, said Lt. Hope Andrews.

The dark SUV was traveling south on East Vista Way when it struck the skateboarder near Arcadia Avenue about 9:30 p.m., Andrews said.

Deputies were investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash.